Page 125 of Unsealing Her Fate

“I know, and I understand; I promise. Just this is plenty for me right now,” he says as he wraps me in his arms and pulls me into the curve of his body. My back to his front.

I lie here, mad at myself and fucking Christopher for taking one more thing from me. I need to get out of my own head and stop letting him hold free space there. Once I do that, I can let myself fall for this man who seems to come straight out of my dreams. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted and so much more.

With that last thought, I fall asleep, wrapped in Jack’s warm and safe embrace.

Chapter 36

Thursday Morning

Thecaféisbusierthis morning than usual. I’ve stayed in the back and out of sight while keeping the pastries stocked and the coffee refilled. It’s not the ideal set up, but we’re finding a new rhythm. I hate that I’m affecting the day to day at the café, but after I voiced my concerns about being up front to Irene, she insisted we do it this way.

I’minthemiddleof prepping our most popular sandwich for lunch when arms wrap around my midsection. I tense at the sudden touch, then immediately relax when I breathe in the woodsy scent.

I’malittletoogiddy to see him, but I don’t care. “What are you doing here?” I turn in his arms, wrapping my own around him.

“Juststoppinginforlunch. You think you got a sandwich around here for me?” Jack smirks right before dipping his head to give me a mouthwatering kiss.

Mytoescurlinmy shoes, my core instantly heating up before we break apart.

“IthinkIcanwhip something up for you. Any special requests?” I ask, as I go up on my tiptoes to give him a peck before turning back to the food.

“Surpriseme,”hereplies,taking an apple from the counter and leaning against it with his arms crossed.

“Icandothat.Give me a second, and I’ll get you something. I didn’t expect to see you so soon, not that I’m complaining.”

Ilookovertosee him take a bite out of the apple, some juice running down his chin. I watch in rapt fascination, kind of wishing I was that damn apple.

“Icamealittleearly to grab lunch and get the cameras ready to put up. Some I can do while customers are here. The rest I’ll finish when you close.”

Talkofthecamerasstirs anxiety in my gut, and my pulse picks up. I close my eyes, trying to focus my energy on work.

“Ahh,dammit!” My eyes fly open when I nick my finger with the knife I’m using to slice the bread.

Jackpushesoffthecounter and is at my side in a flash. “Let me see.” I try to wrap a towel around it.

“Ohh, I can’t look. I’m not so great with blood.” I feel woozy just thinking about looking at my finger. The warm blood runs down to pool in my palm.

“Closeyoureyes.Igot you,” he says as he unwraps the towel.

Iholdmybreath,waiting for the verdict and hoping I don’t need stitches.

“Ithinkit’llbeokay if we clean it out and keep it tightly wrapped. I’ve had worse.”

Myeyesopen.“Worse?From what?” Thinking about him suffering worse makes me forget about my open wound.

“Hikingandhuntingmostly.Sometimes you get some nasty cuts. Let me go ask Irene for the first aid kit.”

Heturnstowalkoff, but I stop him. “No need. It’s on a shelf under the sink in the bathroom.”

“Okay,givemeasecond. I’ll be right back.” He strides with purpose to the bathroom.

Ichanceapeekat my finger and immediately regret it. I slam my eyes shut, breathing deeply to get the nausea under control. I’ve always been terrible at the sight of blood.

Onetime,Andrewgota bloody nose while we were outside playing basketball, and I passed out. Scared the shit out of Addy and Andrew. When I finally came to, they were both standing over me, crying and screaming. I’ve since avoided it at all costs.

“Here,holdyourhandout.” Jack is back with the first aid kit.

Istickmyhandout in his general direction. I don’t want to risk opening my eyes. He chuckles under his breath.

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